New Jersey Devils Quarter Season Grades: A Lot More A’s Than Years Past
Dougie Hamilton
Gp:21 G:6 A:9 Pts:15
The Devils star defender looks very comfortable in his role. Dougie Hamilton thrives on the backend every game. We all know his offense is top tier, but watching him night in and night out has been a treat. The team hasn’t had a guy with this kind of talent since Rafalski and Niedermayer left. On top of all the flash and skills, he has shown himself very solid on the back end and is worth every penny of the big deal right now.
Rating: A+
Jonas Siegenthaler
Gp:21 G:1 A:5 Pts:6
Jonas Siegenthaler isn’t a big points guy with last season’s total of 14 points being his career high, but he has shown a willingness to pinch and shoot the puck this season that has helped the offense a lot, and he is well on his way to another career year. More importantly, however, is his play in the defensive end. Thanks to how good it is, Dougie Hamilton has been allowed to thrive and the forwards can take a few more chances.
Rating: A+
Ryan Graves
Gp:21 G:3 A:4 Pts:7
Ryan Graves continues to be what he was advertised. In his second season, he does everything well. He is big, moves well, and has a hammer of a shot that he is willing to use. He makes his team tough and dangerous offensively while providing a second pairing that can stop legit talent and deep teams.
Rating: A
John Marino
Gp:21 G:2 A:6 Pts:8
John Marino has been such a massive upgrade to the defense it is almost hard to put into words. He is so much better than Ty Smith and PK Subban it is insane and he has shut down the stars of almost every team the Devils have played while being on an absolute steal of a contract. He moves himself and the puck around the rink way better than I thought he did in Pittsburg and I have no idea why they would trade such a valuable player.